Dear Lazyweb:

[foxgrrl]

Are avocados safe for feline consumption? I have discovered that the big orange kitten in my care, really likes them.

Comments

[serafaery.livejournal.com]

Probably unless your cat is puking or got the runs, a little bit is fine. The article linked above says it's the seeds and bark that contain toxins, not the goop inside, and most likely they'd have to eat a lot of it before feeling effects, although some cats are probably going to be more sensitive than others.

Kitty probably enjoys the fatty oiliness of the avacado. I wonder if it's a sign of some sort of deficiency? Does kitty eat normal balanced cat food otherwise? I'd love to ask an expert just out of curiosity. My cat licks plastic bags all the time and I read somewhere that it's sometimes a sign of being low on a kind of vitamin. My cat gets great nutritionally balanced food though, so I think she just likes the sound/feel of her tongue on the plastic.

Oh noes you got me going on about kitties! ;)

[serafaery.livejournal.com]

I got curious and did a little poking around on google. There are a LOT of fancy-sounding cat foods that include avacado or avacado oil as an ingredient. Here's just one: http://www.breeders-choice.com/cat_products/avodermcatcan.htm

Clearly cats enjoy it. It seems clear that the fruit itself is not harmful to cats or people (hopefully!) wouldn't put it in cat food and risk law suits?

I'm wondering if it's the vitamin E the kitty is after. It's good for their coats and skin. :)